(From Sony literature) Lightweight, easy to use and packed with a variety of powerful imaging capabilities, the new Sony SLT-A58 camera is an ideal choice for consumers eager to explore the world of DSLR-style interchangeable lens photography.

The new α58 camera is the latest to feature Sony’s acclaimed Translucent Mirror Technology, which delivers a potent combination of fast shooting, non-stop phase detection autofocus and continuous live image preview during still and full HD video (60i/24p) shooting. This innovative technology also allows the camera to shoot sharply focused images at up to eight frames per second (in Tele-Zoom High Speed Shooting Mode), ensuring that every important detail of any precious moment is fully captured.

At the heart of the new α58 camera is a brand new, highly advanced 20.1 (approx.) effective megapixel Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor teamed with an improved BIONZ image processing engine, which individually adjusts levels of noise reduction and sharpness in different imaging areas. This powerful combination of sensor and processor gives the camera an extra-wide sensitivity range of ISO 100 to 16000, and ensures that it can produce exceptionally detailed, low-noise still images and full HD videos in all types of lighting conditions.

“With the new α58 model, we are bringing unparalleled levels of performance, speed and design to the world of affordable-class DSLR cameras,” said Mike Kahn, director of the Alpha business at Sony. “Featuring our innovative Translucent Mirror Technology, a brand new, high-resolution image sensor and a variety of new, convenient technologies all packaged at a great price, it is perfect for consumers looking to upgrade from the world of point-and-shoot cameras or replace an older DLSR.”

To improve the framing, focusing and image playback experience, the α58 camera features a bright new OLED Tru-Finder electronic viewfinder. Using the EVF, shooters can instantly see the result of adjusting exposure compensation, aperture, ISO, white balance, Picture Effect and other parameters while they are composing - not afterwards. It’s a great teaching and learning tool, and a huge help for framing and creating that “perfect shot” with full confidence.

To complement its high-speed shooting capabilities, the α58 camera has a high-performance 15-point AF system that features new Lock-on Autofocus technology for speedier, more accurate subject tracking. This makes it easier for shooters to focus on and capture fast moving subjects like birds in flight, kids playing sports and virtually everything in between.

The new α58 also introduces new Auto Object Framing technology, an evolution of the innovative Auto Portrait Framing feature introduced last year in Sony’s lineup of interchangeable lens cameras. With Auto Object Framing, the α58 camera judges what’s in the scene – one person, two people, even moving objects or macro subjects – tracking, framing and cropping the shot to create powerful, professionally-framed compositions. Cropped photos are boosted back to full resolution using Sony’s unique By Pixel Super Resolution technology, and both the original and re-composed image files are saved for review.

Additionally, the new camera features a total of 15 artistic ‘in-camera’ Picture Effect treatments including Toy Camera, Mono and Partial Color and much more, all of which can be accessed instantly from the mode dial.

The α58 model is Sony’s first A-mount interchangeable lens camera that offers support for new TRILUMINOS Color, which allows consumers to experience an expanded palette of colors when content from the camera is played back on any BRAVIA TV that supports TRILUMINOS Display.

The Sony A-mount camera system now features a total of 35 interchangeable lenses - including several Carl Zeiss® and G-series optics - that offer the ultimate in performance, sharpness and clarity.

Pricing and AvailabilityThe α58 digital camera will be available as a kit with a brand new 18-55mm zoom lens (model SEL18552) this April for about $600 at Sony retail stores (www.store.sony.com) and other authorized dealers nationwide.

See our Sony A58 preview on imaging-resource.com. Or post your own review below!